𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 54 The fight

In the training yard, Aegon stood with his sword in hand, beads of sweat forming on his brow. He was focused, determined, as Darvon, his trusted knight and friend, paced beside him, inspecting his stance and form. Aegon swung the blade, slicing through the air, the weight of the upcoming challenge heavy on his shoulders.

"Steady," Darvon said, his voice calm yet firm. "Focus on your balance, my prince. Today's fight isn't just about strength; it's about control."

Aegon took a deep breath, nodding as he readjusted his grip on the sword. He thrust forward again, and Darvon gave an approving nod before stepping in front of him, his expression serious.

"You're going to need more than skill," Darvon said, his tone lowering as he got to the point Aegon had been dreading. "You're fighting Ser Edric Storm of House Baratheon."

Aegon paused, wiping the sweat from his brow. "House Baratheon?" he asked, his brow furrowing. "Of course, Otto would choose someone like that."

Darvon crossed his arms. "He's a formidable fighter, known for his brute strength and relentless nature. But, Aegon, you've faced worse. You've fought battles and come out alive. Don't let the name scare you."

Aegon let out a long breath. "It's not the name," he said, shaking his head. "It's the stakes. I lose, and everything's gone. My wives, my claim... everything I've fought for."

Darvon's gaze softened slightly. "Then don't lose," he said simply, his confidence unwavering. "Trust in your training. Ser Edric may be strong, but strength can be used against him if you're smart. Keep him moving. Tire him out."

Aegon nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. "I'll win this," he muttered to himself, trying to push away the creeping doubts. "I have to."

Darvon clapped him on the shoulder, a rare gesture of encouragement from the seasoned knight. "You will. Just stay sharp."

As Darvon stepped back, giving Aegon space to continue his practice, Rhaenyra appeared at the entrance to the training yard, her face tense. Aegon noticed her and stopped mid-swing, his heart sinking slightly as he saw the worry etched into her features.

"Aegon," Rhaenyra called softly, approaching him. "We need to talk."

Aegon sheathed his sword and walked over to her, his muscles still tense from training. "What is it?" he asked, though from her expression, he could tell this wasn't about the upcoming battle.

"It's about Vaerla," Rhaenyra began, folding her arms tightly across her chest. "She... she's hurt, Aegon. She feels like you've abandoned her."

Aegon's face darkened, a pang of guilt hitting him. "I know," he said quietly, running a hand through his silver hair. "I didn't tell her about us, about the marriage, and now... now she feels betrayed."

Rhaenyra nodded, her eyes filled with concern. "She thinks I've used her, that I've only ever spent time with her to gain favor with you. She asked me how long this... how long we've been together, and when I told her the truth... it broke her even more."

Aegon clenched his fists, frustration welling up inside him. "Once this fight is over, I'll make it right with her," he promised, his voice firm. "I'll speak to her, explain everything. I don't want her to think I've replaced her or that I don't care. She's my daughter... I love her."

Rhaenyra stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "She needs to hear that from you, Aegon. Not just words, but actions. She feels lost right now, especially with everything happening so quickly. You have to find a way to show her that she's still a part of your life."

Aegon sighed heavily, nodding. "I will," he said, though the weight of everything—his impending battle, his strained relationship with Vaerla, and the turmoil in his marriage—pressed down on him. "But first, I have to win this. For all of us."